Opening Hours

The Details

Cuisine

European

Modern Australian

Need to Know

Function Space

Gluten-Free

Good for Groups

Great for Dates

Healthy Options

Serving

Coffee

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Dessert

Late Night

In the mood for

Beer

Cocktails

Wine

The Verdict

It’s the golden rule of Melbourne hospitality: know your area. A stuffy wine bar might go gangbusters in the CBD or South Yarra, but down the Balaclava end of Chapel St, you need to scuff the edges up a bit.

Presenting XM4, a delightfully unpretentious wine, cheese and bagel bar. The sort of place you can swing by for a schmear on the way to work, or settle in for a serious late-night, wine-fuelled chinwag.

Let’s start with brekky. The doors open bright and early, serving piping hot Padre coffee to caffeine-starved Saints fans. There’s a morning brunch and bagel menu too (practically compulsory down here, whether you serve wine, beer or office supplies). Think no-fuss combos like thick-cut bacon, coz, av’ and house garlic mayo on a seeded sourdough bagel, or a New York Reuben (smoked pastrami, Dijon and seeded mustard, sauerkraut and a tongue of dill pickle).

In the afternoon, the menu switches to shared plates, with cheese and charcuterie boards dominating after dark. Owner Claire Lane sources all her produce fresh from the South Melbourne Market (there’s a big focus here on Aussie suppliers). Expect tapas-style Bruschetta Caprese with Bocconcini and chilli oil, or Spanish-style sardines on toast with roast red peppers and crumbly feta.

The cheese and charcuterie selection rotates regularly (depending on what’s looking good at the markets). Generally it’s just best to ask the friendly staff what’s good and go from there.

One last tip? Saganaki. Oh my giddy aunt, this thing is delicious. Fried golden, oozy out the sides, with a squeeze of lemon and some chopped parsley. Simple and sexy, like everything else at XM4.

Contact

Connect With Us

Update to privacy policy and how we use cookies

We use cookies (om nom nom nom) to provide a better online experience, including to serve targeted ads. By using our website, you accept our use of cookies. For more information see our privacy and information policy